| Name | Brehadeesh Kumar |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Country of residence | India |
| Current occupation and/or title | JHead Chef, Co-owner- Ginkgo Pune |
| Name of Workplace | Ginkgo Pune |
| Website of current workplace | N/A |
| Social media accounts (Instagram, FB, LinkedIn, etc.) | Instagram- @the_indian_japanese @ginkgopune |
| Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries | Bronze |
| Other special notes (e.g., Goodwill Ambassador of Japanese Cuisine, Michelin restaurant worker, other certifications recognized in your country, etc.) | Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, India |
| Message (thoughts on Japanese cuisine and Japanese ingredients, future dreams, etc.) | I believe Japanese and Indian cuisines share a deep connection- both honour seasonality, craftsmanship, and omotenashi (hospitality), though expressed in distinct ways. Our cultural ties, which date back centuries, reveal fascinating similarities- such as the way both kaiseki and satvik traditions traditionally avoid alliums. To me, Japanese cuisine is more than just food- it’s a practiced art form, much like Indian classical music and dance, carrying generations of wisdom and knowledge. Through my work as a chef and artist, I aim to share the appeal of Japanese cuisine- from comforting everyday dishes to the refined world of kaiseki- through teaching, storytelling, language exchange and my handmade illustrations. At the same time, I hope to make Indian cuisine more approachable for Japanese audiences, bridging the gap and aiming at mutual understanding between our cultures. What draws me most to Japanese cuisine is its profound respect for ingredients- seen as gifts from the gods, along with its deep connection to the seasons and its artistic expression. As a Goodwill Ambassador, I look forward to continuing this journey of cultural exchange, celebrating the beauty and wisdom of both our culinary traditions. |
| Alumni of JCDC Human Resource Development Program | ● |
| Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador | ● |
| Finalist of Japanese Culinary Arts Award | – |
| Winner of Washoku World Challenge | ● |
| Japanese Food and Ingredient Supporter Stores Overseas | ● |